Saints, Pelicans owner defends mental state, vows to win lawsuit against family

Once expected to relinquish control of the Saints and Pelicans to his granddaughter, Rita Benson Leblanc, upon his death, the 87-year-old Benson announced plans on Jan. 21 to transfer control of the franchises to his wife, Gayle, instead. Benson promptly cut LeBlanc, her brother Ryan and their mother Renee, Benson’s adopted daughter, out of his will.

The result of the lawsuit will determine the fate of potentially billions of dollars, as SB Nation’s Ryan Van Bibber explained. In a statement, Benson said, “I have instructed my attorneys to spare no effort in defending my right and the decisions I have made.”

The state of Benson’s physical and mental health will be one of the biggest points of contention in the suit. Benson’s daughter and grandchildren are seeking to have him declared incompetent to manage the Saints and Pelicans. Renee Benson is also seeking control of a trust in Texas containing his assets.

On Monday, a San Antonio judge ruled that Benson needed assistance managing the trust, and appointed two “receivers” -- former San Antonio mayor Phil Hardberger and estate lawyer Art Bayern -- to value and manage Benson’s assets as temporary intermediaries between the feuding parties.

In his statement, Benson insisted that he is capable of making his own decisions, and called for a medical examination to gauge his facilities.

In addition, I have instructed my attorney Phil Wittmann to bring forth this medical exam of me as soon as possible. I look forward to taking this test. I respect the honorable Ken Reese’ [sic] decision today, as I know he had a tough decision to make, but I look forward to putting this behind us and moving on.

The Saints released the full statement on Twitter.

For in-depth background of the case, read Ryan Van Bibber’s breakdown from Jan. 25.